Description
Minimum Total Radiation allows you to define the minimum desired daily light sum in Joules per cm² per day (J/cm²/day). This input guides the model in determining how much additional artificial lighting is needed when natural light is insufficient. By combining this target with the weather forecast, we calculate the required supplemental light and incorporate that into simulation models to ensure accurate crop growth predictions. The weather forecast is provided by Solcast and tailored to your greenhouse. Read more about the details of this integration here.
Rationale for use
During darker periods (e.g. winter), you might want to guarantee a baseline radiation level to maintain growth speed and fruit quality. By setting a Minimum Total Radiation, our system ensures your lighting strategy compensates for forecasted shortfalls.
Formula
Let’s say you set a Minimum Total Radiation of 2500 J/cm²/day. Based on the weather forecast, the system predicts 1800 J/cm²/day of natural radiation for tomorrow.
Step-by-step Calculation
1. Target (Min Total Radiation): 2500 J/cm²/day
2. Forecasted radiation from the sun: 1800 J/cm²/day
3. Shortfall: 2500 - 1800 = 700 J/cm²/day`
This means we need to supplement 700 J/cm² with artificial lighting.